Retired general says Russia’s defensive lines are more complex and deadly than anything experienced in nearly 80 years.

Retired general says Russia's defensive lines are more complex and deadly than anything experienced in nearly 80 years.

Russia’s Intimidating Defensive Lines in Ukraine: A Formidable Challenge for Ukraine’s Counteroffensive

A retired Australian general has provided a vivid description of the defensive lines that Russia has built in Ukraine, calling them “much more complex and deadly than anything experienced by any military in nearly 80 years.” This revelation sheds light on the formidable challenge that Ukraine’s counteroffensive currently faces.

Mick Ryan, the retired general, emphasized that breaking through Russia’s defenses would require the best of combined-arms operational skills. He added that Ukraine has not yet demonstrated these skills at scale, according to military analyst Michael Kofman.

Ukraine initiated its highly anticipated counteroffensive in June with the aim of reclaiming territory in the east and south. However, progress has been slow, with only marginal gains made thus far. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has acknowledged that efforts have been hampered by Russia’s strong defenses, which they had meticulously constructed in anticipation of Ukraine’s fightback.

Satellite imagery from the period leading up to Ukraine’s counteroffensive revealed Russia’s efforts to fortify its 600-mile front line. This included the deployment of minefields, barricades, “dragon’s teeth,” and anti-tank ditches. These defensive measures have forced Ukrainian soldiers to abandon some of their advanced Western tanks in certain areas, limiting their mobility.

Ukrainian officials have expressed their desire to launch their offensive earlier, but they had to wait for additional weapons from the West. This delay provided Russia with additional time to bolster its defenses. Ukraine has also made it clear that many of its units have yet to join the fight. President Zelenskyy announced that extensive de-mining efforts were underway, hinting at an acceleration of Ukraine’s actions.

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Experts have drawn parallels between the ongoing fighting in Ukraine and warfare from over a hundred years ago. The slow and grinding nature of the battle, coupled with trench warfare, has transformed Ukrainian battlefields into scenes reminiscent of World War I. However, the presence of more advanced technology adds a modern dimension to the conflict.

David Bramlette, a former Army Ranger with experience in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Ukraine, offered a sobering perspective on the situation. Bramlette stated that the fighting in Ukraine surpasses the intensity of his deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq, where he had the support of air cover, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. “The worst day in Afghanistan and Iraq is a great day in Ukraine,” Bramlette remarked, underscoring the severity of the ongoing conflict.

In conclusion, Ukraine’s counteroffensive in the face of Russia’s intimidating defensive lines presents a significant challenge. Russia’s complex and deadly fortifications, along with the slow progress of the Ukrainian forces, have hindered Ukraine’s efforts to regain territory. As the battle continues to evolve, it is crucial for Ukraine to demonstrate its combined-arms operational skills and leverage its strategic partnership with Western allies to navigate the challenging terrain of this conflict.

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